Mote networks having directional antennas

ABSTRACT

A mote network having and/or using one or more directional antennas.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is related to, claims the earliest availableeffective filing date(s) from (e.g., claims earliest available prioritydates for other than provisional patent applications; claims benefitsunder 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) for provisional patent applications), andincorporates by reference in its entirety all subject matter of thefollowing listed application(s) the “Related Applications”) to theextent such subject matter is not inconsistent herewith; the presentapplication also claims the earliest available effective filing date(s)from, and also incorporates by reference in its entirety all subjectmatter of any and all parent, grandparent, great-grandparent, etc.applications of the Related Application(s) to the extent such subjectmatter is not inconsistent herewith. The United States Patent Office(USPTO) has published a notice to the effect that the USPTO's computerprograms require that patent applicants reference both a serial numberand indicate whether an application is a continuation or continuation inpart. Stephen G. Kunin, Benefit of Prior-Filed Application, USPTOElectronic Official Gazette, Mar. 18, 2003 athttp://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/com/so1/og/2003/week11 /natbene.htm.The present applicant entity has provided below a specific reference tothe application(s) from which priority is being claimed as recited bystatute. Applicant entity understands that the statute is unambiguous inits specific reference language and does not require either a serialnumber or any characterization such as “continuation” or“continuation-in-part.” Notwithstanding the foregoing, applicant entityunderstands that the USPTO's computer programs have certain data entryrequirements, and hence applicant entity is designating the presentapplication as a continuation in part of its parent applications, butexpressly points out that such designations are not to be construed inany way as any type of commentary and/or admission as to whether or notthe present application contains any new matter in addition to thematter of its parent application(s).

RELATED APPLICATIONS

-   1. United States patent application entitled MOTE-ASSOCIATED INDEX    CREATION, naming Edward K. Y. Jung and Clarence T. Tegreene as    inventors, U.S. application Ser. No.: 10/816.375 filed 31 Mar. 2004.-   2. United States patent application entitled TRANSMISSION OF    MOTE-ASSOCIATED INDEX DATA, naming Edward K. Y. Jung and Clarence T.    Tegreene as inventors, U.S. application Ser. No.: 10/816,082 filed    31 Mar. 2004.-   3. United States patent application entitled AGGREGATING    MOTE-ASSOCIATED INDEX DATA, naming Edward K. Y. Jung and Clarence T.    Tegreene as inventors, U.S. application Ser. No.: 10/81 6.358 filed    31 Mar. 2004.-   4. United States patent application entitled TRANSMISSION OF    AGGREGATED MOTE-ASSOCIATED INDEX DATA, naming Edward K. Y. Jung and    Clarence T. Tegreene as inventors, U.S. application Ser. No.:    10,816,102 filed 31 Mar. 2004.-   5. United States patent application entitled FEDERATING    MOTE-ASSOCIATED INDEX DATA, naming Edward K. Y. Jung and Clarence T.    Tegreene as inventors, U.S. application Ser. No.: 10/816,364 filed    31 Mar. 2004.-   6. United States patent application entitled MOTE NETWORKS USING    DIRECTIONAL ANTENNA TECHNIQUES, naming Clarence T. Tegreene as    inventor, U.S. application Ser. No.: 10/814,454 31 Mar. 2004.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present application is related, in general, to mote systems and/ormote methods.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, a mote system includes but is not limited to: at leastone of an antenna signal generation unit or an antenna signal detectionunit; and a directional antenna system operably coupled with said atleast one of an antenna signal generation unit or an antenna signaldetection unit. In addition to the foregoing, other system aspects aredescribed in the claims, drawings, and/or text forming a part of thepresent application.

In one aspect a mote method of using includes but is not limited to:distributing one or more motes, each mote having (i) at least one of anantenna signal generation unit or an antenna signal detection unit, and(ii) a directional antenna system operably couplable with said at leastone of an antenna signal generation unit or an antenna signal detectionunit. In addition to the foregoing, other method aspects are describedin the claims, drawings, and/or text forming a part of the presentapplication.

In one aspect a mote method of making includes but is not limited to:forming a mote body; and emplacing a directional antenna proximate tothe mote body. In addition to the foregoing, other method aspects aredescribed in the claims, drawings, and/or text forming a part of thepresent application.

In one aspect a mote method of making includes but is not limited to:emplacing a directional antenna proximate to a mote body; andintegrating the mote body with at least one of an animate or inanimateunit. In addition to the foregoing, other method aspects are describedin the claims, drawings, and/or text forming a part of the presentapplication.

In one or more various aspects, related systems include but are notlimited to circuitry and/or programming for effecting theherein-referenced method aspects; the circuitry and/or programming canbe virtually any combination of hardware, software, and/or firmwareconfigured to effect the herein-referenced method aspects depending uponthe design choices of the system designer.

In addition to the foregoing, various other method and/or system aspectsare set forth and described in the text (e.g., claims and/or detaileddescription) and/or drawings of the present application.

The foregoing is a summary and thus contains, by necessity,simplifications, generalizations and omissions of detail; consequently,those skilled in the art will appreciate that the summary isillustrative only and is NOT intended to be in any way limiting. Otheraspects, inventive features, and advantages of the devices and/orprocesses described herein, as defined by the claims, will becomeapparent in the detailed description set forth herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 shows an example of mote 100 of mote-appropriate network 150 thatmay serve as a context for introducing one or more processes and/ordevices described herein.

FIG. 2 depicts partial exploded views of motes 200, 250, and 270 thatform a part of a mote network.

FIG. 3 depicts a high-level logic flowchart of a process.

FIG. 4 illustrates a high-level logic flowchart depicting an alternateembodiment of the high-level logic flowchart of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 illustrates a high-level logic flowchart depicting severalalternate embodiments of the high-level logic flowchart of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 illustrates a high-level logic flowchart depicting severalalternate embodiments of the high-level logic flowchart of FIG. 3.

FIG. 7 illustrates a high-level logic flowchart depicting an alternateembodiment of the high-level logic flowchart of FIG. 3.

FIG. 8 illustrates a high-level logic flowchart depicting an alternateembodiment of the high-level logic flowchart of FIG. 3.

FIG. 9 illustrates a high-level logic flowchart depicting an alternateembodiment of the high-level logic flowchart of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 illustrates a high-level logic flowchart depicting an alternateembodiment of the high-level logic flowchart of FIG. 3.

FIG. 11 depicts a high level logic flowchart of a process.

FIG. 12 illustrates a high-level logic flowchart depicting severalalternate embodiments of the high-level logic flowchart of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 illustrates a high-level logic flowchart depicting an alternateembodiment of the high-level logic flowchart of FIG. 11.

FIG. 14 illustrates a high-level logic flowchart depicting an alternateembodiment of the high-level logic flowchart of FIG. 11.

FIG. 15 illustrates a high-level logic flowchart depicting an alternateembodiment of the high-level logic flowchart of FIG. 11.

FIG. 16 depicts a high level logic flowchart of a process.

FIG. 17 illustrates a high-level logic flowchart depicting an alternateembodiment of the high-level logic flowchart of FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 illustrates a high-level logic flowchart depicting an alternateembodiment of the high-level logic flowchart of FIG. 17.

The use of the same symbols in different drawings typically indicatessimilar or identical items.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present application uses formal outline headings for clarity ofpresentation. However, it is to be understood that the outline headingsare for presentation purposes, and that different types of subjectmatter may be discussed throughout the application (e.g.,device(s)/structure(s) may be described under process(es)/operationsheading(s) and/or process(es)/operations may be discussed understructure(s)/process(es) headings; and/or descriptions of single topicsmay span two or more topic headings). Hence, the use of the formaloutline headings is not intended to be in any way limiting.

I. Device(s) and/or System(s)

With reference now to FIG. 1, shown is an example of mote 100 ofmote-appropriate network 150 that may serve as a context for introducingone or more processes and/or devices described herein. A mote istypically composed of sensors, actuators, computational entities, and/orcommunications entities formulated, in most cases at least in part, froma substrate. As used herein, the term “mote” typically means asemi-autonomous computing, communication, and/or sensing device asdescribed in the mote literature (e.g., Intel Corporation's moteliterature), as well as equivalents recognized by those having skill inthe art. Mote 100 depicts a specific example of a more general mote.Mote 100 is illustrated as having antenna 102, physical layer 104,antenna entity 119, network layer 108 (shown for sake of example as amote-appropriate ad hoc routing application), light device entity 110,electrical/magnetic device entity 112, pressure device entity 114,temperature device entity 116, volume device entity 118, and inertialdevice entity 120. Light device entity 110, electrical/magnetic deviceentity 112, pressure device entity 114, temperature device entity 116,volume device entity 118, antenna entity 119, and inertial device entity120 are depicted to respectively couple through physical layers 104 withlight device 140, electrical/magnetic device 142, pressure device 144,temperature device 156, volume device 158, antenna 102, and inertialdevice 160. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the hereindescribed entities and/or devices are illustrative, and that otherentities and/or devices consistent with the teachings herein may besubstituted and/or added.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that in some implementationsmotes may contain their own power sources, while in otherimplementations power may be supplied to motes by an outside source(e.g., through electromagnetic induction from a parasitic network oroptical to electrical conversion). Those skilled in the art will furtherappreciate that there are various ways in which motes may be distributedto form a mote network. For example, in some implementations the motesare randomly dispersed, while in other implementations the motes areeither directly or indirectly in physical contact with (e.g., affixed toand/or integrated within) various inanimate and/or animate units (e.g.,inanimate structural components such as those used in building, and/orbridges, and/or machines, and/or animate structural components such asrodents and/or birds and/or other animals). Those skilled in the artwill appreciate that the herein described powering and/or distributionapproaches are illustrative, and that other entities and/or devicesconsistent with the teachings herein may be substituted and/or added.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that herein the term “device,”as used in the context of devices comprising or coupled to a mote, isintended to represent but is not limited to transmitting devices and/orreceiving devices dependent on context. For instance, in some exemplarycontexts light device 140 is implemented using one or more lighttransmitters (e.g., coherent light transmission devices or non-coherentlight transmission devices) and/or one or more light receivers (e.g.,coherent light reception devices or non-coherent light receptiondevices) and/or one or more supporting devices (e.g., optical filters,hardware, firmware, and/or software). In some exemplary implementations,electrical/magnetic device 142 is implemented using one or moreelectrical/magnetic transmitters (e.g., electrical/magnetic transmissiondevices) and/or one or more electrical/magnetic receivers (e.g.,electrical/magnetic reception devices) and/or one or more supportingdevices (e.g., electrical/magnetic filters, supporting hardware,firmware, and/or software). In some exemplary implementations, pressuredevice 144 is implemented using one or more pressure transmitters (e.g.,pressure transmission devices) and/or one or more pressure receivers(e.g., pressure reception devices) and/or one or more supporting devices(e.g., supporting hardware, firmware, and/or software). In someexemplary implementations, temperature device 156 is implemented usingone or more temperature transmitters (e.g., temperature transmissiondevices) and/or one or more temperature receivers (e.g., temperaturereception devices) and/or one or more supporting devices (e.g.,supporting hardware, firmware, and/or software). In some exemplaryimplementations, volume device 158 is implemented using one or morevolume transmitters (e.g., gas/liquid transmission devices) and/or oneor more volume receivers (e.g., gas/liquid reception devices) and/or oneor more supporting devices (e.g., supporting hardware, firmware, and/orsoftware). In some exemplary implementations, inertial device 160 isimplemented using one or more inertial transmitters (e.g., inertialforce transmission devices) and/or one or more inertial receivers (e.g.,inertial force reception devices) and/or one or more supporting devices(e.g., supporting hardware, firmware, and/or software). Those skilled inthe art will recognize that although a quasi-stack architecture isutilized herein for clarity of presentation, other architectures may besubstituted in light of the teachings herein. In addition, although notexpressly shown, those having skill in the art will appreciate thatentities and/or functions associated with concepts underlying OpenSystem Interconnection (OSI) layer 2 (data link layers) and OSI layers4-6 (transport-presentation layers) are present and active toallow/provide communications consistent with the teachings herein. Thosehaving skill in the art will appreciate that these layers are notexpressly shown/described herein for sake of clarity.

Referring now to FIG. 2, depicted are partial exploded views of motes200, 250, and 270 that form a part of a mote network. Mote 200 isillustrated as similar to mote 100 of mote appropriate network 150 (FIG.1), but with the addition of antenna steering unit 202, antenna signaldetection/generation unit 204 (“direction/generation” indicates unit 204may perform either or both detection and generation), antenna controlunit 206, omni-directional antenna 218, and directional antennas 208,209; the other components of mote 100 are also present in mote 200, butnot explicitly shown for sake of clarity. The directional antennasdescribed herein may be any suitable directional antennas consistentwith the teachings herein, such as beam-forming antennas, beam-steeringantennas, switched-beam antennas, horn antennas, and/or adaptiveantennas. Although directional antennas 208, 209 are illustrated as hornantennas, those skilled in the art will appreciate that directionalantennas 208, 209 are representative of any suitable device consistentwith the teachings herein, such as Yagi antennas, log-periodic antennas,parabolic antennas, array antennas, horn antennas, and/or biconicalantennas. The foregoing is also generally true for other directionalantennas described herein. In addition, the inventor points out that insome implementations the antenna steering units described herein mayinclude electromechanical systems such as those having piezoelectriccomponents and/or those having micro-electro-mechanical systemcomponents; in some implementations, the antenna steering units mayinclude electromagnetic systems.

Mote 250 is illustrated as similar to mote 100 of mote appropriatenetwork 150 (FIG. 1), but with the addition of antenna steering unit252, antenna signal generation/detection unit 254, antenna control unit256, omnidirectional antenna 268, and directional antennas 258, 259. Theother components of mote 100 are also present in mote 250, but notexplicitly shown for sake of clarity. The components of mote 250function in fashions similar to like components described in relation tomote 200 and/or elsewhere herein.

Mote 270 is illustrated as similar to mote 100 of mote appropriatenetwork 150 (FIG. 1), but with the addition of antenna steering unit252, antenna signal generation/detection unit 274, antenna control unit276, omnidirectional antenna 278, and directional antennas 288, 289. Theother components of mote 100 are also present in mote 270, but notexplicitly shown for sake of clarity. The components of mote 270function in fashions similar to like components described in relation tomote 200 and/or elsewhere herein.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that there are various ways inwhich the directional antennas may be combined with the motes. In someimplementations, semiconductor processing techniques are utilized toform at least a part of each mote having one or more directionalantennas. In some implementations, micro-electro-mechanical-system orelectrooptical techniques are utilized to form or control at least apart of each mote having one or more directional antennas. In someimplementations, circuit techniques and circuit board substrates areused to form at least a part of each mote having one or more directionalantennas. In some implementations, various combinations of the hereindescribed techniques are used to form at least a part of each motehaving one or more directional antennas.

II. Process(es) and/or Scheme(s)

Following are a series of flowcharts depicting implementations ofprocesses and/or schemes. For ease of understanding, the flowcharts areorganized such that the initial flowcharts present implementations viaan overall “big picture” viewpoint and thereafter the followingflowcharts present alternate implementations and/or expansions of the“big picture” flowcharts as either sub-steps or additional stepsbuilding on one or more earlier-presented flowcharts. Those havingordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the style of presentationutilized herein (e.g., beginning with a presentation of a flowchart(s)presenting an overall view and thereafter providing additions to and/orfurther details in subsequent flowcharts) generally allows for a rapidand easy understanding of the various process implementations.

With reference now to FIG. 3, depicted is a high level logic flowchartof a process. Method step 300 shows the start of the process. Methodstep 302 depicts adjusting a field of regard of a first-mote directionalantenna. Method step 304 illustrates monitoring one or more indicatorsof received signal strength, signal-to-noise ratio, or other signalcharacteristic, of the first-mote directional antenna. Method step 306shows determining a direction associated with a second mote in responseto the monitored one or more indicators of the received signal strengthof the first-mote directional antenna. Method step 308 depicts adjustingthe field of regard of the first-mote directional antenna to orienttoward the determined direction associated with the second mote. Methodstep 310 depicts the end of the process. Specific exampleimplementations of the more general process implementations of FIG. 3are described following.

Referring now to FIG. 4, illustrated is a high-level logic flowchartdepicting an alternate embodiment of the high-level logic flowchart ofFIG. 3. Depicted is that in some embodiments method step 302 includesmethod step 400. Method step 400 shows moving the field of regard suchthat the field of regard of the first-mote directional antenna willlikely operably align with a beam of a second-mote directional antenna.(By convention, “field of regard” is sometimes used herein whendescribing an example wherein an antenna is likely to receive a signalwhile “beam” is used when describing an example wherein an antenna islikely to transmit a signal.)

In one embodiment of method step 400, antenna control unit 256 directsantenna steering unit 252 to sweep a field of regard of directionalantenna 258 at a rate likely to be different from that of a rate ofsweep of a beam of another directional antenna. For example, antennacontrol units 206, 256 directing their respective antenna steering units202, 252 to sweep their respective directional antennas 208, 258 atrates which are likely to be different. One implementation of theforegoing includes a network administrator pre-assigning different ratesof sweep to antenna control units 206, 256. For example, a networkadministrator (not shown) may assign antenna control unit 206 a rate ofsweep of 360 degrees/unit-time and assigning antenna control unit 256 arate of sweep of 361 degrees/unit-time and directing antenna controlunit 206, 256 to direct their respective antenna steering units 202, 252to rotate directional antennas 208, 258 for a time period long enoughsuch that directional antenna 208 completes 360 total rotations.

Referring now to FIG. 5, illustrated is a high-level logic flowchartdepicting several alternate embodiments of the high-level logicflowchart of FIG. 4. Depicted is that in some embodiments method step400 includes method step 500. Method step 500 shows rotating the fieldof regard at a rate of rotation varied by a quasi-random amount from anominal rate of rotation of the first-mote directional antenna and thesecond-mote directional antenna.

In one embodiment of method step 500, antenna control unit 256 directsantenna steering unit 252 to rotate a field of regard of directionalantenna 258 at a rate of rotation varied by a quasi-random amount from anominal rate of rotation shared by at least one other mote (as usedherein, “nominal” generally means according to plan or design). Forexample, in one implementation antenna control unit 256 recalls frommemory a known nominal rate of rotation and then uses embodied logic tovary that recalled nominal rate of rotation by some amount to devise amote 250 resultant rate of rotation (e.g., 360 degrees/unit-time).Thereafter, antenna control unit 256 directs antenna steering unit 252to rotate directional antenna 258 at the mote 250 resultant rate ofrotation. At or around the same time, antenna control unit 202 engagesin a similar set of operations to devise a mote 200 rate of rotation.Insofar as that the mote 200 rate of rotation and the mote 250 rate ofrotation were devised by quasi-random variations on substantially thesame nominal rates of rotation, it is likely that the mote 200 rate ofrotation will be different than the mote 250 rate of rotation. Hence,eventually the field of regard of directional antenna 208 will operablyalign with the beam of directional antenna 258 such that signals may berespectively received/transmitted between the directional antennas. Insome implementations, the directional antennas are rotated for apre-specified period of time. In some implementations, the directionalantennas are rotated until either a strong signal is detected or atimeout occurs.

In one approach, the network administrator or logic within one or moreof the antenna control units 206, 256 may include logic that can reducethe time to align by monitoring levels, level changes, or rates ofchange of the signal indicator and adjusting the rate or direction ofmovement in response. For example, at angles of the field of regardwhere the indicator is relatively high or deviates in some manner fromother angles, the rate of rotation can be adjusted using relativelystraightforward logic to improve the likelihood of establishing thedesired alignment.

Continuing to refer to FIG. 5, illustrated is that in some embodimentsmethod step 400 includes method step 502. Method step 502 shows movingthe field of regard through at least two angles at a quasi-randomlyselected rate of movement.

In one embodiment of method step 502, antenna control unit 256 directsantenna steering unit 252 to move a field of regard of directionalantenna 258 through a series of angles at a rate of movement derivedfrom random number generation logic (e.g., moving the field of regardthrough a 90 degree arc in discrete increments of 5 degrees at timeintervals dictated by a random number generator).

Continuing to refer to FIG. 5, illustrated is that in some embodimentsmethod step 400 includes method step 504. Method step 504 shows movingthe field of regard for a quasi-randomly selected period of time.

In one embodiment of method step 504, antenna control unit 256 directsantenna steering unit 252 to move a field of regard of directionalantenna 258 at some rate of rotation for a period of time derived fromrandom number generation logic (e.g., moving the field of regard at 360degrees/unit-time for a first interval of time dictated by a randomnumber generator, moving the field of regard at 45 degrees/unit time fora second interval of time dictated by the random number generator).

Referring now to FIG. 6, illustrated is a high-level logic flowchartdepicting several alternate embodiments of the high-level logicflowchart of FIG. 3. Depicted is that in some embodiments method step302 includes method step 600. Method step 600 shows selectively varyingone or more relative phases respectively associated with one or moreantenna elements.

In one embodiment of method step 600, antenna control unit 206 directsantenna steering unit 202 to selectively delay received signals suchthat a field of regard of directional antenna 208 is varied.

Continuing to refer to FIG. 6, shown is that in some implementations ofmethod step 600, selectively varying one or more relative phasesrespectively associated with one or more antenna elements can includeselectively varying one or more relative dielectric constantsrespectively associated with the one or more antenna elements. Alsoshown is that in some implementations of method step 600, selectivelyvarying one or more relative phases respectively associated with one ormore antenna elements can include selectively switching one or moredelay elements respectively associated with the one or more antennaelements. Further shown is that in some implementations of method step600, selectively varying one or more relative phases respectivelyassociated with one or more antenna elements can include selectivelydisplacing the one or more antenna elements. In some implementations ofmethod step 600, such as where directional antenna 258 is implementedwith discrete antenna elements (e.g., array antennas and/or Yagiantennas), antenna steering unit 252 delays one or more of the signalsof the discrete antenna elements to steer the field of regard ofdirectional antenna 258 in a desired fashion (e.g., by numericaltechniques and/or delay lines).

Continuing to refer to FIG. 6, illustrated is that in some embodimentsmethod step 302 includes method step 608. Method step 608 showsselectively displacing at least a part of the first-mote directionalantenna. In some implementations of method step 608, such as instanceswhere directional antenna 258 is implemented with a horn antenna or abiconical antenna, antenna steering unit 252 moves at least a part ofthe antenna, such as moving a feed of and/or rotating a horn antennaand/or moving a feed of and/or rotating a biconical antenna.

Continuing to refer to FIG. 6, shown is that in some embodiments methodstep 302 includes method step 610. Method step 610 shows selectivelytuning the first-mote directional antenna (e.g., via switchable tuningstubs). In some implementations of method step 610, such as instanceswhere directional antenna 258 is implemented with a tunable antenna(e.g., antennas having tuning stubs), antenna steering unit 252 eithermoves and/or switches in and out the various tuning stubs to direct thefield of regard of directional antenna 258.

Referring now to FIG. 7, illustrated is a high-level logic flowchartdepicting an alternate embodiment of the high-level logic flowchart ofFIG. 3. Depicted is that in some embodiments method step 304 includesmethod step 700. Method step 700 shows logging one or more indicators ofthe received signal strength of the first-mote directional antenna.

In one embodiment of method step 700, antenna control unit 256 directsantenna signal generation/detection unit 254 to log a received signalstrength indicator of a known beacon signal. For example, in oneimplementation antenna signal generation/detection unit 254 contains acorrelation detector having as a reference the beacon signal; the outputof the correlation detector is stored to a memory which antenna controlunit 256 can then access. Those having ordinary skill of the art willappreciate that other signal detection techniques, consistent with theteachings herein, may be substituted.

With reference now to FIG. 8, illustrated is a high-level logicflowchart depicting an alternate embodiment of the high-level logicflowchart of FIG. 3. Depicted is that in some embodiments method step306 includes method step 800. Method step 800 shows selectively varyinga reception frequency.

In one embodiment of method step 800, antenna control unit 256 directsantenna signal generation/detection unit 254 to vary a referencefrequency of a demodulator from a nominal value. In someimplementations, the way in which the reference frequency is varied isdeterministic (e.g., varying above and below the nominal frequency by 5Hz increments for predetermined and/or quasi-random periods of time). Insome implementations, the way in which the reference frequency is variedis quasi-random (e.g., varying above and below the nominal frequency byquasi-random increments for predetermined periods of time). For example,in one implementation antenna signal generation/detection unit 254contains demodulation logic whose reference frequency can be varied infashions as described herein. Those having ordinary skill of the artwill appreciate that other signal demodulation techniques, consistentwith the teachings herein, may be substituted.

With reference now to FIG. 9, illustrated is a high-level logicflowchart depicting an alternate embodiment of the high-level logicflowchart of FIG. 8. Depicted is that in some embodiments method step800 includes method step 900 and 902. Method step 900 shows maintaininga first reception frequency during a first rate of movement. Method step902 shows maintaining a second reception frequency during a second rateof movement.

In one embodiment of method step 900, antenna control unit 256 directsantenna signal generation/detection unit 254 to maintain a firstreference frequency of a demodulator while antenna control unit 256 iscausing antenna steering unit 252 to sweep/rotate at a first rate. Inone embodiment of method step 902, antenna control unit 256 directsantenna signal generation/detection unit 254 to maintain a secondreference frequency while antenna control unit 256 is causing antennasteering unit 252 to sweep/rotate at a second rate. In someimplementations, the way in which the first and the second referencefrequencies are chosen is deterministic (e.g., varying above and belowsome nominal frequency by 5 Hz increments for predetermined and/orquasi-random periods of time). In some implementations, the way in whichthe reference frequency is varied is quasi-random (e.g., varying aboveand below a nominal frequency by quasi-random amounts dictated by arandom number generator).

With reference now to FIG. 10, illustrated is a high-level logicflowchart depicting an alternate embodiment of the high-level logicflowchart of FIG. 3. Depicted is that in some embodiments method step306 includes method step 1000 and 1002. Method step 1000 showsdetermining a substantially maximum signal power associated with abeacon signal. Method step 1002 depicts determining a direction of thefield of regard of the first-mote directional antenna associated withthe substantially maximum signal power.

In one embodiment of method step 1000, antenna control unit 206communicates with antenna signal generation/detection unit 254 todetermine one or more times during which received signal strength of abeacon signal was at one or more substantially maximum values. In oneembodiment of method step 1002, antenna control unit 206 communicateswith antenna steering unit 252 to determine one or more locations alongan arc of movement of directional antenna 258 that correspond with thetimes at which the received signal strength of the beacon signal was atone or more substantially maximum values.

With reference now to FIG. 11, depicted is a high level logic flowchartof a process. Method step 1100 shows the start of the process. Methodstep 1102 depicts adjusting a beam of a second-mote directional antenna.Method step 1104 illustrates transmitting a signal over the beam of thesecond-mote directional antenna. Method step 1106 depicts the end of theprocess. Specific example implementations of the more general processimplementations of FIG. 11 are described following.

Referring now to FIG. 12, illustrated is a high-level logic flowchartdepicting several alternate embodiments of the high-level logicflowchart of FIG. 11. Depicted is that in some embodiments method step1102 includes method step 1200. Method step 1200 shows selectivelyforming the beam of the second-mote directional antenna.

In one embodiment of method step 1200, antenna control unit 206 directsantenna steering unit 202 to drive directional antenna 208 such that abeam is formed over one or more angular ranges. One example of theforegoing could include forming a series of beams across a series ofangles.

Continuing to refer to FIG. 12, illustrated is that in some embodimentsmethod step 1102 includes method step 1202. Method step 1202 depictsselectively switching the beam of the second-mote directional antenna.

In some implementations of method step 1202, antenna control unit 206directs antenna steering unit 202 to switch elements of directionalantenna 208 such that a beam is switched on across one or more angles.One example of the foregoing could include switching a series ofdiscrete beams across a series of discrete angles.

Continuing to refer to FIG. 12, illustrated is that in some embodimentsmethod step 1102 includes method step 1204. Method step 1204 depictsselectively steering the beam of the second-mote directional antenna.

In some implementations of method step 1204, antenna control unit 206directs antenna steering unit 202 to selectively steer a beam ofdirectional antenna 208 such that a beam is moved across one or moreangles. One example of the foregoing could include causing a horn or abiconical antenna to move across a series of angles (e.g., rotate in acircle).

Continuing to refer to FIG. 12, illustrated is that in some embodimentsmethod step 1102 includes method step 1206. Method step 1206 depictsselectively adapting the beam of the second-mote directional antenna.

In some implementations of method step 1206, antenna control unit 206directs antenna steering unit 202 to selectively adapt one or more beamsof directional antenna 208 such that a beam is moved across one or moreangles. One example of the foregoing could include selectively adaptingthe beam of the second-mote directional antenna.

With reference again to FIGS. 3 and 11, method step 302 of FIG. 3, andits supporting text, show and/or describe adjusting a field of regard ofa first-mote directional antenna. Method step 1102 of FIG. 11, and itssupporting text, illustrate and/or describe adjusting a beam of asecond-mote directional antenna (e.g., directional antenna 208 of mote200).

FIGS. 4-6 show and/or describe several implementations of adjusting afield of regard of the first-mote directional antenna. The inventorpoints out that implementations substantially analogous to those shownfor method step 302 are also contemplated for method step 1102.Specifically, each shown/described example of adjusting the field ofregard as described elsewhere herein will in general have acorresponding implementation by which the beam of a second-motedirectional antenna is analogously adjusted. Those having skill in theart will appreciate that insofar as that transmitting and receiving areessentially mirror operations and that beam forming and defining fieldof regard are complementary actions, the examples of adjusting the fieldof regard set forth above may also be viewed as constituting examples ofadjusting beams. In light of the foregoing, those having skill in theart will appreciate that FIGS. 4-6 and their supporting texts, combinedwith generally known aspects of beam forming, teach such beam formingimplementations; consequently, the beam adjusting implementations arenot expressly redescribed here for sake of clarity.

With reference now to FIG. 13, illustrated is a high-level logicflowchart depicting an alternate embodiment of the high-level logicflowchart of FIG. 11. Depicted is that in some embodiments method step1104 includes method step 1300. Method step 1300 shows selectivelyvarying a transmission frequency.

In one embodiment of method step 1300, antenna control unit 206 directssignal generation/detection unit 204 to vary a carrier frequency of amodulator from a nominal value. In some implementations, the way inwhich the carrier frequency is varied is deterministic (e.g., varyingabove and below the nominal frequency by 5 Hz increments forpredetermined and/or quasi-random periods of time). In someimplementations, the way in which the carrier frequency is varied isquasi-random (e.g., varying above and below the nominal frequency byquasi-random amounts for predetermined periods of time).

In one implementation, antenna signal generation/detection unit 204contains a modulator that combines a known beacon signal with thecarrier signal which is then transmitted from directional antenna 208.Those having ordinary skill of the art will appreciate that other signalgeneration techniques, consistent with the teachings herein, may besubstituted.

With reference now to FIG. 14, illustrated is a high-level logicflowchart depicting an alternate embodiment of the high-level logicflowchart of FIG. 11. Depicted is that in some embodiments method step1104 includes method steps 1400 and 1402. Method step 1400 showsmaintaining a first transmission frequency during a first rate ofmovement (e.g., sweep and/or rotation). Method step 1402 showsmaintaining a second transmission frequency during a second rate ofmovement (e.g., sweep and/or rotation).

In one embodiment of method step 1400, antenna control unit 206 directsantenna signal generation/detection unit 204 to maintain a first carrierfrequency of a modulator while antenna control unit 206 is causingantenna steering unit 202 to sweep/rotate at a first rate. In oneembodiment of method step 1400, antenna control unit 206 directs antennasignal generation/detection unit 204 to maintain a second carrierfrequency of a modulator while antenna control unit 206 is causingantenna steering unit 202 to sweep/rotate at a second rate. In someimplementations, the way in which the carrier frequency is varied isdeterministic (e.g., varying above and below the nominal frequency by 5Hz increments for predetermined and/or quasi-random periods of time). Insome implementations, the way in which the carrier frequency is variedis quasi-random (e.g., varying above and below the nominal frequency byquasi-random amounts for predetermined periods of time).

Referring now to FIG. 15, illustrated is a high-level logic flowchartdepicting an alternate embodiment of the high-level logic flowchart ofFIG. 11. Depicted is that in some embodiments method step 1104 includesmethod steps 1500 and 1502. Method step 1500 shows detecting aninitiation signal. Method step 1502 depicts initiating at least one ofsaid adjusting a beam of a second-mote directional antenna and/or saidtransmitting a signal over the beam of the second-mote directionalantenna in response to said detecting the initiation signal.

In one embodiment of method step 1500, antenna signalgeneration/detection unit 204 detects an incoming pre-definedseek-mote-antennas signal over directional antenna 208. Signalgeneration/detection unit 204 informs antenna control unit 206 that theseek-mote-antennas signal has been received. In response, antennacontrol unit 206 directs antenna signal generation/detection unit 204 togenerate a pre-defined beacon signal and/or communicates with antennasteering unit 252 to begin adjusting a beam of directional antenna 208as described herein (e.g., by moving the beam in an arc or circlethrough a discrete set of angles, etc.).

With reference now to FIG. 16, depicted is a high level logic flowchartof a process. Method step 1600 shows the start of the process. Methodstep 1602 depicts adjusting a field of regard of a first-motedirectional antenna in response to a direction associated with asecond-mote directional antenna. Method step 1604 illustratestransmitting a signal from the first-mote directional antenna and/orreceiving a signal from the first-mote directional antenna (e.g.,transmitting the signal over a beam of the first-mote directionalantenna and/or receiving the signal through a field of regard of thefirst-mote directional antenna). Method step 1606 depicts the end of theprocess. Specific example implementations of the more general processimplementations of FIG. 16 are described following.

Referring now to FIG. 17, illustrated is a high-level logic flowchartdepicting an alternate embodiment of the high-level logic flowchart ofFIG. 16. Depicted is that in some embodiments method step 1602 includesmethod step 1700. Method step 1700 shows localizing the second-motedirectional antenna. Specific example implementations of the moregeneral process implementations of FIG. 17 are described following.

With reference now to FIG. 18, illustrated is a high-level logicflowchart depicting an alternate embodiment of the high-level logicflowchart of FIG. 17. Depicted is that in some embodiments method step1700 includes method steps 302, 304, and 306. Method steps 302, 304, and306, as well as various multiple implementations of such steps, aredescribed elsewhere herein—e.g., FIGS. 3-6—and are hence not redescribedhere for sake of clarity. However, it is to be understood that methodsteps 302, 304, and 306 as illustrated in FIG. 18 are intended toincorporate and/or represent substantially all aspects and/or facets ofthe various implementations of method steps 302, 304, and 306 as shownand described elsewhere herein, unless context requires otherwise.

Those having skill in the art will recognize that the state of the arthas progressed to the point where for many design choices there islittle distinction left between hardware and software implementations ofaspects of systems; the use of hardware or software is generally (butnot always, in that in certain contexts the choice between hardware andsoftware can become significant) a design choice representing cost vs.efficiency tradeoffs. Those having skill in the art will appreciate thatthere are various vehicles by which processes and/or systems describedherein can be effected (e.g., hardware, software, and/or firmware), andthat the preferred vehicle will vary with the context in which theprocesses are deployed. For example, if an implementer determines thatspeed and accuracy are paramount, the implementer may opt for a hardwareand/or firmware vehicle; alternatively, if flexibility is paramount, theimplementer may opt for a solely software implementation; or, yet againalternatively, the implementer may opt for some combination of hardware,software, and/or firmware. Hence, there are several possible vehicles bywhich the processes described herein may be effected, none of which isinherently superior to the other in that any vehicle to be utilized is achoice dependent upon the context in which the vehicle will be deployedand the specific concerns (e.g., speed, flexibility, or predictability)of the implementer, any of which may vary. Those skilled in the art willrecognize that optical aspects of implementations will requireoptically-oriented hardware, software, and or firmware.

The foregoing detailed description has set forth various embodiments ofthe devices and/or processes via the use of block diagrams, flowcharts,and/or examples. Insofar as such block diagrams, flowcharts, and/orexamples contain one or more functions and/or operations, it will beunderstood as notorious by those within the art that each functionand/or operation within such block diagrams, flowcharts, or examples canbe implemented, individually and/or collectively, by a wide range ofhardware, software, firmware, or virtually any combination thereof. Inone embodiment, several portions of the subject matter described hereinmay be implemented via Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs),Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), digital signal processors(DSPs), or other integrated formats. However, those skilled in the artwill recognize that some aspects of the embodiments disclosed herein, inwhole or in part, can be equivalently implemented in standard integratedcircuits, as one or more computer programs running on one or morecomputers (e.g., as one or more programs running on one or more computersystems), as one or more programs running on one or more processors(e.g., as one or more programs running on one or more microprocessors),as firmware, or as virtually any combination thereof, and that designingthe circuitry and/or writing the code for the software and or firmwarewould be well within the skill of one of skill in the art in light ofthis disclosure. In addition, those skilled in the art will appreciatethat the mechanisms of the subject matter described herein are capableof being distributed as a program product in a variety of forms, andthat an illustrative embodiment of the subject matter described hereinapplies equally regardless of the particular type of signal bearingmedia used to actually carry out the distribution. Examples of a signalbearing media include, but are not limited to, the following: recordabletype media such as floppy disks, hard disk drives, CD ROMs, digitaltape, and computer memory; and transmission type media such as digitaland analog communication links using TDM or IP based communication links(e.g., packet links).

In a general sense, those skilled in the art will recognize that thevarious aspects described herein which can be implemented, individuallyand/or collectively, by a wide range of hardware, software, firmware, orany combination thereof can be viewed as being composed of various typesof “electrical circuitry.” Consequently, as used herein “electricalcircuitry” includes, but is not limited to, electrical circuitry havingat least one discrete electrical circuit, electrical circuitry having atleast one integrated circuit, electrical circuitry having at least oneapplication specific integrated circuit, electrical circuitry forming ageneral purpose computing device configured by a computer program (e.g.,a general purpose computer configured by a computer program which atleast partially carries out processes and/or devices described herein,or a microprocessor configured by a computer program which at leastpartially carries out processes and/or devices described herein),electrical circuitry forming a memory device (e.g., forms of randomaccess memory), and/or electrical circuitry forming a communicationsdevice (e.g., a modem, communications switch, or optical-electricalequipment).

Those skilled in the art will recognize that it is common within the artto describe devices and/or processes in the fashion set forth herein,and thereafter use standard engineering practices to integrate suchdescribed devices and/or processes into mote processing systems. Thatis, at least a portion of the devices and/or processes described hereincan be integrated into a mote processing system via a reasonable amountof experimentation. Those having skill in the art will recognize that atypical mote processing system generally includes one or more of amemory such as volatile and non-volatile memory, processors such asmicroprocessors and digital signal processors, computational entitiessuch as operating systems, user interfaces, drivers, sensors, actuators,applications programs, one or more interaction devices, such as USBports, control systems including feedback loops and control motors(e.g., feedback for sensing position and/or velocity; control motors formoving and/or adjusting components and/or quantities). A typical moteprocessing system may be implemented utilizing any suitable availablecomponents, such as those typically found in mote-appropriatecomputing/communication systems, combined with standard engineeringpractices. Specific examples of such components entail commerciallydescribed components such as Intel Corporation's mote components andsupporting hardware, software, and firmware.

The foregoing described aspects depict different components containedwithin, or connected with, different other components. It is to beunderstood that such depicted architectures are merely exemplary, andthat in fact many other architectures can be implemented which achievethe same functionality. In a conceptual sense, any arrangement ofcomponents to achieve the same functionality is effectively “associated”such that the desired functionality is achieved. Hence, any twocomponents herein combined to achieve a particular functionality can beseen as “associated with” each other such that the desired functionalityis achieved, irrespective of architectures or intermedial components.Likewise, any two components so associated can also be viewed as being“operably connected” or “operably coupled” to each other to achieve thedesired functionality.

While particular aspects of the present subject matter described hereinhave been shown and described, it will be obvious to those skilled inthe art that, based upon the teachings herein, changes and modificationsmay be made without departing from the subject matter described hereinand its broader aspects and, therefore, the appended claims are toencompass within their scope all such changes and modifications as arewithin the true spirit and scope of the subject matter described herein.Furthermore, it is to be understood that the invention is defined by theappended claims. It will be understood by those within the art that, ingeneral, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g.,bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms(e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but notlimited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having atleast,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but isnot limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those withinthe art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation isintended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and inthe absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example,as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may containusage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” tointroduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should NOTbe construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by theindefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containingsuch introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one suchrecitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases“one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or“an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “atleast one” and/or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use ofdefinite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, evenif a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitlyrecited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitationshould typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number(e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without othermodifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or morerecitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a conventionanalogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in generalsuch a construction is intended in the sense of one having skill in theart would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least oneof A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have Aalone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and Ctogether, and/or A, B, and C together etc.). In those instances where aconvention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, ingeneral such a construction is intended in the sense of one having skillin the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having atleast one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systemsthat have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together,B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.).

1. A mote system comprising: at least one of an antenna signalgeneration unit or an antenna signal detection unit; a directionalantenna system operably coupled with said at least one of an antennasignal generation unit or an antenna signal detection unit, wherein saiddirectional antenna system further includes but is not limited to anantenna steering unit; and a mote having said directional antenna systemoperably coupled with said at least one of an antenna signal generationunit or an antenna signal detection unit.
 2. The mote system of claim 1,wherein said directional antenna system operably coupled with said atleast one of an antenna signal generation unit or an antenna signaldetection unit further comprises: a beam-forming antenna system.
 3. Themote system of claim 1, wherein said directional antenna system operablycoupled with said at least one of an antenna signal generation unit oran antenna signal detection unit further comprises: a beam-steeringantenna system.
 4. The mote system of claim 1, wherein said directionalantenna system operably coupled with said at least one of an antennasignal generation unit or an antenna signal detection unit furthercomprises: a switched-beam antenna system.
 5. The mote system of claim1, wherein said directional antenna system operably coupled with said atleast one of an antenna signal generation unit or an antenna signaldetection unit further comprises: a horn antenna system.
 6. The motesystem of claim 1, wherein said directional antenna system operablycoupled with said at least one of an antenna signal generation unit oran antenna signal detection unit further comprises: one or moreelectromagnetic reflectors of one or more shapes corresponding to one ormore selected antenna patterns.
 7. The mote system of claim 1, whereindirectional antenna system operably coupled with said at least one of anantenna signal generation unit or an antenna signal detection unitfurther comprises: an adaptive-antenna system.
 8. The mote system ofclaim 1, wherein said directional antenna system operably coupled withsaid at least one of an antenna signal generation unit or an antennasignal detection unit further comprises: a Yagi antenna.
 9. The motesystem of claim 1, wherein said directional antenna system operablycoupled with said at least one of an antenna signal generation unit oran antenna signal detection unit further comprises: a log-periodicantenna.
 10. The mote system of claim 1, wherein said directionalantenna system operably coupled with said at least one of an antennasignal generation unit or an antenna signal detection unit furthercomprises: a parabolic antenna.
 11. The mote system of claim 1, whereinsaid directional antenna system operably coupled with said at least oneof an antenna signal generation unit or an antenna signal detection unitfurther comprises: an array antenna.
 12. The mote system of claim 1,wherein said directional antenna system operably coupled with said atleast one of an antenna signal generation unit or an antenna signaldetection unit further comprises: a horn antenna.
 13. The mote system ofclaim 1, wherein said directional antenna system operably coupled withsaid at least one of an antenna signal generation unit or an antennasignal detection unit further comprises: a biconical antenna.
 14. Themote system of claim 1, wherein said antenna steering unit furthercomprises: an electro-mechanical system.
 15. The mote system of claim 1,wherein said antenna steering unit further comprises: amicro-electro-mechanical system.
 16. The mote system of claim 1, whereinsaid antenna steering unit further comprises: an electromagnetic system.17. The mote system of claim 1, further comprising: at least one of ananimate or inanimate unit in physical contact with said mote having saiddirectional antenna system operably coupled with said at least one of anantenna signal generation unit or an antenna signal detection unit. 18.A mote method of using comprising: distributing a mote, the mote having(i) at least one of an antenna signal generation unit or an antennasignal detection unit, and (ii) a directional antenna system operablycouplable with said at least one of an antenna signal generation unit oran antenna signal detection unit.
 19. The mote method of claim 18,wherein said distributing a mote further comprises: emplacing at leastone of an animate or inanimate unit in physical contact with the mote.20. The mote method of claim 19, wherein said emplacing at least one ofan animate or inanimate unit in physical contact with the mote furthercomprises: positioning an inanimate component in physical contact withthe mote.
 21. The mote method of claim 19, wherein said emplacing atleast one of an animate or inanimate unit in physical contact with themote further comprises: positioning an animate component in physicalcontact with the mote.
 22. A mote method of making comprising: forming amote body; and emplacing a directional antenna and an antenna steeringunit proximate to the mote body.
 23. The mote method of claim 22,wherein said forming a mote body further comprises: forming at least apart of the mote body from a substrate.
 24. The mote method of claim 22,wherein said emplacing a directional antenna and an antenna steeringunit proximate to the mote body further comprises: forming at least apart of the directional antenna from a substrate.
 25. The mote method ofclaim 22, wherein said emplacing a directional antenna and an antennasteering unit proximate to the mote body further comprises: affixing atleast a part of the directional antenna to the mote body.
 26. A motemethod comprising: integrating an antenna steering unit and adirectional antenna proximate to a mote body with at least one of ananimate or inanimate unit.
 27. The mote method of claim 26, wherein saidintegrating an antenna steering unit and a directional antenna proximateto a mote body with at least one of an animate or inanimate unit furthercomprises: at least one of affixing the mote body to or encasing themote body in an inanimate structural component.
 28. The mote method ofclaim 26, wherein said integrating an antenna steering unit and adirectional antenna proximate to a mote body with at least one of ananimate or inanimate unit further comprises: at least one of affixingthe mote body to or encasing the mote body in an animate structuralcomponent.